Critics Circle Names ‘Foot’ Best Film of the Year

The New York Film Critics Circle on Monday named “My Left Foot,” a British film about the almost competely paralyzed Irish writer Christy Brown, the year’s best film.

British actor Daniel Day-Lewis was named best actor for his portrayal of Brown, who can type, paint and accomplish everyday tasks using only his left foot.

The awards by New York’s film critics are often considered a precursor to the Academy Awards, announced in March.

“My Left Foot” was filmed in Dublin by first-time director Jim Sheridan.

Paul Mazursky was named best director for “Enemies: A Love Story,” a film based on Isaac Bashevis Singer’s novel about survivors of the Holocaust. Lena Olin was named best supporting actress for her work in the film.

Michelle Pfeiffer was named best actress for her role as a nightclub singer in “The Fabulous Baker Boys.”

Kenneth Branagh received a special award as best new director for his epic “Henry V,” which has been favorably compared with Laurence Olivier’s Oscar-winning version of the Shakespeare play.

The Critics Circle voted Claude Chabrol’s “Story of Women,” a true story about a French abortionist executed during France’s occupation by German troops, best foreign film.

Best documentary film went to “Roger & Me,” a comic and unflattering look at Flint, Mich., whose major employer is General Motors.

Best screenplay went to “Drugstore Cowboy,” a low-budget anecdotal comedy about a group of drug addicts and petty thieves written by Gus Van Sant and Daniel Yost and set in the 1970s.